On March 26, 2014 at 1:12 p.m., Tucson Police Department officers responded to a report of a traffic collision at the intersection of East Benson Highway and South Alvernon Way, in which 67 year old Lambert Cross was killed. Upon arrival officers discovered there were three vehicles involved in the collision; a 1990 GMC Tow Truck, a 1999 Chevrolet Astro Van, and a 2012 Jeep SUV.
The driver of the Chevrolet was transported to a local area hospital with minor injuries. The passenger, Mr. Cross, was transported to the same hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Jeep complained of minor injuries, but was not taken to a hospital. The driver of the tow truck was not injured.
The Traffic Investigation Unit responded to continue the investigation. The investigation revealed that the Chevrolet was traveling westbound in the curb lane of Benson Highway, passing through the intersection at Alvernon Way on a green light. The Jeep was eastbound on Benson Highway in the left turn lane, waiting to make a northbound turn also facing a green light. The tow truck, driven by 58 year old Douglas Hagen was headed southbound on Alvernon Way, before running the red light and colliding with the passenger side of the Chevrolet, causing it to spin and strike the Jeep.
Hagen was charged with one count of causing serious injury or death by a moving violation – Red light violation. He was released at the scene.
On March 30, 2014, the passenger of the Chevrolet succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as 67 year old Lambert Cross.